Grand Sky Expected To Create 3,000 New Jobs In Our Region

By Neil Carlson&nbsp|&nbsp

Posted: Thu 12:49 PM, Sep 10, 2015&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Thu 5:42 PM, Sep 10, 2015

Ground was broken in the northern valley today for a project that organizers say will mean thousands of new, high tech jobs for this generation and the next. Grand Sky will be the first, U.A.S. business and aviation park in the Country. Researchers and developers are finding more and more amazing uses for drones in all kinds of areas, including the military, security and agriculture. Now, construction of a business and aviation park for drones is underway on this 217 acre plot on the west side of the Grand Forks Air Base. A 1.2-million square foot building will house business tenants focused on research, development and drone training. Officials say it will quickly lead to 3,000 new jobs.Thomas Swoyer, Grand Sky: “I think there will be a lot of data related jobs. But there will be engineers, we’re hoping for some light manufacturing and assembly as well. Research and development, there will be a lot of different jobs.” Former County Commissioner John Schmisek was a driving force into putting together this project that includes a partnership between county, state and the federal government, along with private business.John Schmisek, Fmr. GF County Commissioner: “I had a hard time realizing the vision and where it can go. I don’t think we still know. I think it’s going to be so good for the region and state. It will be a good deal when it’s all developed.” Officials say this project will have a worldwide effect on the evolution of drones.Gov. Jack Dalrymple, (R) North Dakota: “It tells everybody in the country and in the world that we have arrived and this is underway. And then all kinds of wonderful things start to happen.” Drones have just been given the O.K. to fly the skies here, as the first parts of the project will be completed next year. Aerospace giant, Northrop Grumman will start work on their research center in the park this fall, and officials say other companies are also very close to committing to the project.

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